mike rossi

I think the tone here is to intentionally diminish bird dogs or provoke an argument. Fact is, how many birds that you shoot do you recover? Then, even the RGS says: "ruffed grouse are a solitary bird" - yeah they are, except during the autumn when the bulk of grouse hunting occurs. Hunt with a dog - you might learn that when one bird gets up there are 5 or more that sit tight or get up behind you when you chase the first one. That is why training a dog to stop to flush is so important in any bird dog, but particularly so for a grouse dog. And yes, the north zone season for grouse starts in September pretty much so the locals without dogs can walk paths and pick off 16 week old grouse (or younger) out of trees or along paths with a pellet gun or .22. In that scenario retrieving is easy without a dog. I shoot well above the national average of 7 shells per mourning dove, however, when it comes to grouse, I would be closer the the state average. I even hit teal and wood ducks more readily than grouse. When I hunt ducks, with a 6 bird limit, I carry 10 shells. When I hunt grouse, limit 4 in NY and 2 in Pa, I load my pockets to the brim with shells.

(One) of the Long Island DU Chapters..... North Shore DU....

Got some more details: $25 Saturday March 19 2016 Dana’s Time Out 258 Hamilton St (rts 5&20) Geneva 6pm- Cocktails- Cash Bar 7pm- Dinner Buffet upstairs. Buffet of: French Onion Baked Chicken, Roast Beef au jus, Garlic Smashed Potato topped w/ Cheddar & Bacon Mushroom Gravy Italian Green Beans Tossed Salad w/ Dressing, Dinner Rolls & Butter. RSVP to Dave (use website) by March 11

Lets start listing Retriever Club Events, here is the first one: Leatherstocking Hunting Retriever Association Annual dinner is tentatively scheduled for March 19 at Dana’s Time Out in Geneva. It will be the same menu as last year and we will have the private room upstairs again. Still waiting on a price, but it should be the same or comparable to last year (around $25 pp). I apologize for the later date this year, as I’ve been as little over whelmed with work and home projects. There were some other dates available, but I think this will give us enough time to take reservations and get the word out. As always, new and potential members are welcome. Please RSVP to me as soon as possible. Thanks, Dave For More Info about Leatherstocking Hunting Retriever Association go here: Website: https://www.leatherstockinghra.com/ Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/Leatherstocking-Hunting-Retriever-Association-286621201392853/

Feb. 13: Leatherstocking DU Banquet, 5:30 p.m., Holiday Inn, Oneonta. For more info call George Decker, 607-432-5243. Feb. 26: Webster/Penfield DU Chapter annual fundraising banquet, Webster Golf Club. For more info contact Gabe Speranza at 585-313-1648, David White at 585-330-0522 or Lisa White at 315-576-2526. Feb. 27: Southtowns DU Banquet, Kloc’s Grove, West Seneca. For more info call George Rockey, 716-674-3075. March 5: Upper Hudson River Valley QDMA Banquet, 5 p.m., Elks Club, Greenwich. For more info call Ray Purdy Jr., 518-222-4075. March 5: Wyoming/Genesee Pheasants Forever #843 Banquet, 5:30 p.m., Alexander Fire Hall. For more info call Tom Kelsey, 585-591-0609

I am not sure exactly what is going on with sea ducks. The special sea duck zone, season, and limits has been in effect since the 1960s or 70s I think. There has been some chatter that some of the sea duck species are declining in population, unlike the vast majority of other ducks. Sea ducks are harder to survey (count) then other ducks as well is my understanding. There is also chatter about the improvement in equipment is or might be producing harvests that were not representative of 30 years ago. I am not sure I buy all that, but that is what some are suggesting. Simply reducing the bag limit may not be an option, because some sea duck hunters might argue that it isnt worth the motor fuel and the time to set up big rigs, tow layout boats, etc. for one or two ducks. Most of that is, as Jeb Bush says; "blow-hardin" as is the case of Canada geese - "oh, its not worth "settin op" for one or two birds. (Funny because in the 90s most of the Canada goose seasons were closed, and were open the limit was one). Like I alluded, perhaps arrogantly, I don't get too worked up about how the task force sets the seasons. They are required to keep to federal framework, so within that frame it is mostly social decisions, not biological. Yes, local hunters have a good handle on migration and how weather effects hunting in their area, but I am not sure how mindful they all are. For example, a couple years ago I attended a NAVHDA training session. I had my entire pack with me and someone questioned the lab and the chessie. Naturally the conversation went to waterfowl hunting. The guy I was talking to, pointed to a guy that was as old as God, and said " he is on the season setting task force". At that time scaup were the concern, so I asked the task force dude about scaup. He didnt know what a scaup was. So I interchanged blue bill, he didnt know what a bluebill was, then I said broad bill... Then I said black head... At that point I was shaking my head. So, I do go to fundraisers and pay my share, but as far as season - setting meetings I stay clear.

I meant..... NON calendar migrators like mallards. Oops....

I already emailed my comments in as an unorganized hunter. For the western zone, I assumed 60 days would be granted under this years federal frameworks, and suggested October 1 to October 31 for the first split, and December 14 to January 12 for the second split. That does circumvent regular south zone deer season, but that was only part of my reason. The seasons have been starting too late and thereby not capturing the peak of wood duck migration, and ending too early. Especially during el nino years like this year, when calendar migrators like mallards don't move until later. There is always the chance of an early ice-lock up though, but I think 31 straight days in October when there are a lot of wood ducks and resident mallards around would ease the pain a little during those years when we get a hard, early freeze.

My mistake, it is actually one organization.

Herkimer County DU Here it comes, the 2015 Annual Banquet will be March 19th at Francesca's Banquet Hall in Ilion. $55 a single, $80 a couple gets you entry to the event, buffet dinner, 2 hour beer/wine/soda open bar, and your annual DU membership. $100 super raffle packages also available right now. Contact Todd Phillips for details 315-717-7651.

Just got this: Meeting is located in basement (front building). Park in back lot. Take main floor around to stairwell (about 200 yards). Meeting room is located around the corner. Looking forward to meeting everyone

The notice I got said this: Note: No RSVP required but If you can respond that would be appreciated so we can estimate headcount. We look forward to meeting with everyone.

Are you with Finger lakes or Western?

Can you post the details?

16 ga. hunter, We can create a website for your efforts to organize bird hunters / bird dog enthusiasts in your age bracket. No charge,we will do it for free. It is extremely important bird hunters get both organized and better informed across the state. Plus, it provides a social network of like-minded people. The only problem is, we cannot maintain it for you. When you want to add content, we cannot do it for you. If you are not computer savvy you will need to be patient and play around with it until you figure it out. If this is of interest to you guys, send me a PM and let me know what you want the organization to be named. Give me your regular email as well. We will put something together for you. You also need social media accounts to get the word out, so if you are not on Facebook and all that you probably should be if we do this. Let me know.

January and February is Fund Raising for Habitat Season in NY! Many millions of dollars will be raised the next 8 weeks for waterfowl, pheasant, ruffed grouse and woodcock right here in NY state. The NYC DU banquet alone brings in around one million dollars each year! To engage the conservationists on this site,who are just getting into hunting and do not know what all goes on, lets start a thread and post chapter events. Here is one notification I got this morning I am passing along: Hello All. If you live in the Rochester, NY area or surrounding area you need to come check out an awesome event!! The Webster/Penfield Chapter of Ducks Unlimited will be hosting our 35th annual Dinner/Banquet & Live auction. Come support Wetlands conservation & the great outdoors. Whether you're an avid waterfowler,beginner or any sort of outdoorsmen there is something for everyone. We have tons & tons of raffles & games loaded with great merchandise, hunting & fishing gear. Along with live & silent auctions. We have hunts up for auction as well as tons of oppurtunities at winning guns. If you have never been to a Ducks Unlimited dinner you are missing out and do not want to miss this one. Come join us on Friday February 26th, 2016 @ Webster Golf Club for great food, drinks, great people and a great time all for a great cause. Doors open @ 5:00pm with dinner serving @ 7:00pm Ticket prices are $75 for a single or $105 for a couple, which includes your dinner, open bar & 1 year membership to Ducks Unlimited. We also have Sponsor packages and corporate table packages available. For more info or if you are interested in attending contact me Gabe Speranza @ 585-313-1643

I am an old bass turd, but my wife is younger, so if I can bring her into the retirement community you guys have to let me post here. (Time we get a dove season she will be pushing me out in the field in a wheelchair).... Before After Two woodcock and my upland team

4th Annual Mid-Hudson Valley Chapter Conservation & Sportsmen’s Banquet SATURDAY, FEBRUARY 27, 2016 Social Hour: 5:30 p.m. Dinner: 7:00 p.m. BEST WESTERN PLUS KINGSTON HOTEL & CONFERENCE CENTER 503 Washington Avenue Kingston, NY 12401 Tickets, Reservations: Rick Affuso PO Box 578 Marlboro, NY 12542 845‐742‐7574 845‐236‐7160 Bus. [email protected]

Our 5 Websites (Note each website also has its own social media presences) http://nydovehunting.weebly.com/ http://thebirdhuntingsociety.weebly.com/ http://unitedhuntersofnyc.weebly.com/ http://newjerseysundayhuntingforall.weebly.com/ http://thefoodcentrichunter.weebly.com/ RGS Chapter (Hudson Valley) Fundraiser https://attachment.fbsbx.com/file_download.php?id=1724294747805159&eid=ASu-VZP_4wW3ZSURnC_fw4nIlPnA0DhNocnrqTituG_FCk-h-Q1PemYEnnP6XYzMG98&inline=1&ext=1454491292&hash=ASsZgXR9LXqru5dw

Its up to you younger guys to keep the tradition going! Get organized or your voice in policy will get smaller and smaller!

Once it happens IDK, but I can comment on preventing the problem, taking your shells out of your pockets, drying them off with a cloth, and then storing them spread out in a dry spot is as important as cleaning your gun.

Twenty states have state pheasant stocking programs. Critics of these programs grossly mischaracterize all aspects of them, including how much they cost and who pays for them.This report is specific to NY and is part of a series we (NY Dove Hunting and The Bird Hunting Society) are publishing to provide a realistic perspective about the matter. http://nydovehunting.weebly.com/cost-of-reynolds-pheasant-farm-per-hunter.html

I don't know how many of you actually watched this to the end, however the testimony given by the entity which is considered by many, including policy makers, as thee representative of your interests as well as mine, was, putting it mildly, not impressive. In hindsight, it was a strategic mistake for NY Dove Hunting not to attend this hearing. However, it is likely I will testify at this hearing on behalf of the interests of NY Dove Hunting and the Bird Hunting Society next year.

http://nystateassembly.granicus.com/MediaPlayer.php?view_id=5&event_id=1454